This paper focuses on the development and maintenance of the national qualification structure for secondary vocational education and training in the Netherlands. The qualification structure was introduced in 1997 as part of new legislation for vocational and adult education. The core questions to be answered concern the extent to which the policy aims pursued with the qualification structure are realised and the possible factors that might enhance or inhibit this realisation. The results of the evaluation show that the intended transparency and responsiveness of the qualification structure are not yet realised. This also holds for the intended breadth and sustainability of the qualifications. Development and maintenance of the qualification structure is based on a model of "chain management". Both the lack of coordination within the chain and a lack of steering during the development process are major inhibiting factors.